Not a Punishment

The hardest part of muzzle training has nothing to do with the dog. It is the owner's fear of being judged. But a basket muzzle is just safety gear.

This is not only for "aggressive" dogs. The friendliest golden retriever will snap if a vet probes a broken leg. Pain and panic can override temperament. The trouble is, an emergency is the worst moment to introduce a strange object to a scared animal. A dog who already knows the muzzle as a treat-dispenser stays calmer when it matters.